They had tried to keep her away from him. But she wouldn’t allow it. Tears streaming down her face, Princess Noriko was almost heedless of the battle as she cradled her brother in her arms while she sat in the dirt.

“We can’t stay like this,” Dija snapped. “We’re pray sitting still in a clearing.”

There were so many Imperial soldiers surrounding her, Noriko couldn’t see through them as fighting erupted from not far off.

Mika came down into the dirt next to her. She sat on her knees and put a hand on Noriko’s shoulder. ‘I’m sorry, but you need to be ready to flee, Princess.”

She shook her head. “I can’t. I can’t leave him!”

How could this happen? First father and now Masaru.

“Kill them,” she shouted to the troops, unable to lift her gaze from her brother’s face—his dead eyes. She closed them, turning away in a fit of sobs. “KILL THEM!”

Kami-sama, why have you allowed this to happen?

“He’s running!” someone shouted. “Pursue him! Pursue the assassin!” It sounded like the Winged Blades woman.

Men shouted.

Boots and sandals stamped about.

She could barely hear any of it.

Something exploded in the hills behind them as dozens of feet stomped about the path and up into the brush.

Men cleared, making way for her. Noriko looked up at her. The Commander gave pause, looked at Masaru. “We have to go.”

“I can’t leave him.”

“We won’t,” Arduani said. “You, you and you. Carry the Prince.” She pointed a demanding finger. “The rest of you, protect her with your lives. Surround her. Leave no openings. The rest of you, fan out—weapons up! We move!!!”

Noriko got up, assisted by Mika and Dija. She turned, watched the soldiers pick up her brother’s body. Her throat felt thick. She could hardly swallow.

“Come, Princess,” Mika said, putting her arm around her shoulder.

Mika smiled wanly. Noriko touched her hand, thankful for her friends. She nodded, mouth trembling.